Men's Volleyball

Men's Volleyball

Goodridge steps down as men's volleyball coach at Lees-McRae

Feb 11, 2013

BANNER ELK, N.C. --- James Goodridge has stepped down as the head men's volleyball coach at Lees-McRae College to accept an assistant position with the University of Buffalo women's volleyball program, announced Director of Athletics Craig McPhail Monday.

"I am very thankful for the time James spent at Lees-McRae College and the development of its volleyball program," praised McPhail. "He is a passionate teacher of the game, who is a tireless worker and we wish him the very best in this endeavor."

Goodridge took the men's program at Lees-McRae to new heights in 2011, leading the Bobcats to a 16-10 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in Conference Carolinas play. Under Goodridge's leadership, the Bobcats posted a trio of victories over NCAA Division I opponents, including a pivotal victory over No. 16 Ball State University, while nearly upsetting No. 11 Penn State University in a five-set thriller.

Goodridge played a pivotal role in the success of the women's program in 2010, as the Bobcats went 25-8 overall and posted a perfect 18-0 record in conference play en route to the program's 12th regular season title in the last 14 years. Lees-McRae closed out the season with a nine-match winning streak, capturing the program's 12th conference tournament championship, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time in the last 12 years.

His coaching career began directly after high school, coaching while attending college. Goodridge served as the head coach of the men's club team at Florida State University. After graduating from Florida State University, Goodridge became an assistant for the men's and women's volleyball teams at Springfield College in Springfield, MS. Goodridge was an essential piece to the women's success, as they finished 27-8 en route to a spot in the conference tournament finals.

Goodridge joined the Bobcats from conference foe Mount Olive College, where he served as the interim coach for women's volleyball, leading the Trojans to the conference tournament championship match as the fifth seed in 2008. Goodridge was named the program's associate head coach during the following men's season.

Goodridge graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management from Florida State in 2006, and later received his Master of Arts in sport and fitness from the University of Central Florida.

"This is a great opportunity for James, and I look forward to following his career," said McPhail.